- #178 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [GCF]
by joe97
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Dec 25, 2008 (4:04 pm)
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Replying to: GCF (Dec 25, 2008 3:00 pm)
I only listed 01 and 07 results because they were available in all three categories. In actuality, the public data went back to 96, when an average rating was posted on the frontal offset - thus, it went from average to poor to good and good.
I've already said there are room for improvement...
Of course, you don't expect the Elantra to improve, ever...
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- #179 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [joe97]
by backy
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Dec 25, 2008 (6:34 pm)
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Replying to: joe97 (Dec 25, 2008 11:11 am)
It appears that the IIHS did not test the Elantra for side impact until the 2009 MY (which is really odd in itself, since the car was redesigned 2 years ago). But the frontal and rear (really a test of the driver's seat, not the car) tests were done on the 2007 Elantra. Since there hasn't been any change to the structure or SRS of the Elantra since the 2007 MY, there really isn't any reason for the NHTSA or IIHS to test again. (But the NHTSA did retest the Sonata for frontal impact at least for 2009, I suppose because there were some changes to the front end. The IIHS has not retested the 2009 Sonata.)
While the Elantra has improved in crash protection over the years, it is now uncompetitive in that area. Which is especially strange since Hyundai has touted safety for the Elantra and other models in its brochures and advertising for many years. Less talk and more action is what is needed by Hyundai on crash safety for the Elantra, IMO.
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- #180 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [backy]
by joe97
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Dec 25, 2008 (8:54 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Dec 25, 2008 6:34 pm)
It looks like the 2008 model year was tested on the side protection of the Elantra but I agree with you fully, the small cars in the Hyundai product portfolio needs more improvement on crash safety.
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- #181 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [GCF]
by joshuag
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Dec 26, 2008 (11:02 pm)
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Replying to: GCF (Dec 24, 2008 2:20 pm)
I agree with you on that. I wouldn't buy a Elantra over a Fusion. In my town they have new Fusion's advertised for around 16k dollars. Of course it is the base model, but with even that you get a lot of features for the money, plus a safer car. We have a couple of later model Ford's in my family, and they have been very reliable cars. Don't forget also about the new Chevy Malibu, that's a great car for the money.
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- #182 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [joshuag]
by GCF
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Dec 27, 2008 (6:12 am)
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Replying to: joshuag (Dec 26, 2008 11:02 pm)
With so many superior, safer cars such as the Impreza, Civic, Corolla, and Rabbit, I don't know what people are thinking when they buy the Elantra these days. Back in the early 2000's it made more sense to purchase an Elantra since it could save you as much as $5000 over a comparable car. Now, Hyundai seems to have priced their car out of being competitive.
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- #183 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [GCF]
by backy
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Dec 27, 2008 (6:36 am)
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Replying to: GCF (Dec 27, 2008 6:12 am)
The pricing is still competitive, but not nearly the big difference it was a few years ago, as you pointed out. For example, in 2004 I got a fully loaded Elantra GT (leather, alloys, moonroof, ABS/traction, trip computer etc.) with 3 years free maintenance for $13.2k + T&L. A similarly-equipped 2009 Elantra SE today, although a nicer car with six airbags (vs. 4) and ESC, would run $4000-5000 more. Still less than a comparably-equipped Civic or Corolla, but not a huge difference.
I don't think the Elantra is overpriced in today's market, since it has improved a lot over the years and offers mid-sized room for a compact price, but I do expect that for its higher asking price it be fully competitive with Civrollas et. al. on safety, fuel economy, and other key aspects. On crash safety at least, Elantra has fallen behind. I hope we don't have to wait for the next generation Elantra to improve in that area.
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- #184 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [joshuag]
by backy
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Dec 27, 2008 (6:42 am)
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Replying to: joshuag (Dec 26, 2008 11:02 pm)
The low-end pricing on the Fusion and Milan is very attractive, except what I've seen in my area is that the Fulans advertised for around $16k don't include the optional ESC package. If that kind of pricing holds for the re-worked 2010 Fulans, which have many improvements including (I think) standard ESC), they will be a compelling choice. I am also seeing new Malibus advertised for around $16k now, so that is another great value although I am not sure I would take a chance on GM at this point.
Actually, compared to the Elantra, the Sonata offers a much nicer car for about the same money after rebates and discounts, with more power, better safety (crash scores and standard ESC/traction), and more room without much of a fuel economy penalty. Probably why the Sonata has outsold the Elantra for much of the recent past.
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- #185 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [backy]
by GCF
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Dec 27, 2008 (7:14 am)
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Replying to: backy (Dec 27, 2008 6:36 am)
My neighbor just got a loaded '09 Corolla XLE Auto w/ ESC and Alloys for $16.8K + T&L. A comparably equipped Elantra SE is the same if not a bit more money. With the Corolla he got a safer, higher resale and arguably more reliable car. Given this, I can't think of one justification to buy the Elantra over the Corolla.
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- #186 of 269
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Re: IIHS Crash Side Test results...:-( [GCF]
by backy
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Dec 27, 2008 (11:55 am)
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Replying to: GCF (Dec 27, 2008 7:14 am)
A loaded Corolla XLE lists for over $24k with an invoice over $21k; an XLE equipped as closely as possible to the Elantra SE (XM, alloys, ESC, cruise, all weather guard package) lists for nearly $20k and has an invoice of nearly $18k. So either way, your neighbor got a really good deal on the XLE, although there is a $1000 rebate on the Corolla right now and only $500 on the 2009 Elantra SE. I expect the rebates on the Elantra to increase once the 2008s are gone, especially with competitors like Toyota offering such aggressive discounts and rebates.
One justification to buy an Elantra over a Corolla is if the buyer simply likes the Elantra more than the Corolla. That is not far fetched. I happen to prefer the Elantra over the Corolla, except for side impact crash safety of course. CR rated the Elantra over the Corolla also--although I expect they will take away the Elantra's
"Top Pick" designation now that the IIHS side impact crash test has been published.
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